10 Best Number One Rock Albums Of The 1990s

For her first two studio releases, Canadian singer Alanis Morrisette planted her feet firmly in the ground of teen pop, attempting to appeal to as wide an audience as possible through inoffensive tunes designed to make you dance, and little else.

Then, for her third album, she went absolutely bonkers.

Jagged Little Pill was Morrisette taking a stab at the alternative rock scene that was rapidly growing around her. She was in her early 20s at the time, so the prime age to channel all of the anxiety and anger that was so important to the genre, resulting in what remains one of the standout albums of any kind from across the entire decade.

Cleverly-written lyrics meshed perfectly with wailing electric guitars and catchy hooks, creating the ideal combination of artistry and commercial appeal. It inspired an entire generation of songwriters, particularly amongst women, and was the best-performing album in all of the USA in 1996, topping the Billboard charts on four non-consecutive occasions throughout the year.

Thanks to Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morrisette is still an idol to this very day, and every single bit of that adulation is fully deserved.